Don Gay SR. Passes Away

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

Don Gay Sr., a pioneer Funny Car racer known for his and brother Roy's line of Infinity Pontiac race cars, died June 30 at his home in League City, Texas, after a long illness. He was 60.

Gay began his driving career in his teens with a Pontiac stocker and later switched to altered-wheelbase machines that ultimately became today's Funny Cars, and brother Roy later took over the helm.

In the late years, he was active in the family automotive business, known as Gay Pontiac, Buick and GMC as well as Houston Raceway Park, where he was previous co-owner. Two of his sons, Don Jr. and Shane, followed their father to the cockpit on the dragstrip. Don Jr., had a successful career in Alcohol Funny Car but retired from the cockpit after an accident in a nitro Funny Car. Shane also had a winning career in the Super classes and in Alcohol Dragster.

Don Gay Sr. is survived by his mother, Marie Gay; four sons, Don Gay Jr. and wife, Kim, Shane and wife, Kate, Darren, and Glenn; two grandchildren, Eli and Caleb; former wives, Dawna Gay and Peggy Gay. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl and brother, Roy.

The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, July 2, with a wake at 6 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in League City. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, at St. Mary's in League City. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson.

[Belair62]

Wasn't he or his son a Rodeo announcer ?

[JQ]

Yes there is a Don Gay that color commentates rodeo events and was a 8 time World Champion. Don't know if he's related to Sr.

[ORIGLS6]

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Wasn't he or his son a Rodeo announcer ?

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I wondered if it was the same guy. Funnycar pilot/Bullrider................ not all that much difference.
The age would be about right. We saw them run a couple of different Poncho Funnys at the US Nats back in the late '60s/early '70s. I always assumed it was the same guy, but can't say for sure. Either way; sad news.

[TXZS]

Don Gay, the bull rider, 8 times PRCA world champ is still alive and about 50 years old. Both from Texas, both full of guts, but not related as far as I know.

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No Don Gay the Bullrider is not related to Don Gay SR. the Drag racer.They just happen to have the same last name and both are from Texas.I remember seeing don Gay many years ago at the Old Houston International Dragstrip in Dickinson Texas.That was the place to go back in the day and after the races there it was off to Bill Williams where everyone would meet up and then race a little more!